Who do you trust to maintain Newtown's charm?

By PAUL SALVATORE

Friday

Oct 28, 2011 at 12:01 AMOct 28, 2011 at 6:00 AM

In response to a recent article about the development of Stockings Works II and the two plans that were to be submitted for conditional use hearing, Allan Smith is quoted as saying “the plan never envisioned upwards of 300 condominiums at the site.” He stated, “It is sad that people would sacrifice what is best for the borough for political expediency of getting elected.”

I take exception to his statement and the implication that the number for the condos was made up. If you go to the borough website at www.boro.newtown.pa.us and click on Agenda and Meeting Minutes and go to Planning Commission Meeting and check the April 4th minutes, you will see where I asked Mr. Smith the following question: “How many condominium units are planned”?

Mr. Smith responded “between 275 and 325 dwelling units are being considered presently.” These are his words and numbers, not mine.

On Oct. 10, 2011, Mr. Smith submitted two sets of plans: Plan A, which was limited to his property, and Plan B, which included the parking lots in front of the State Store and behind Starbucks and includes a Newtown Creek Walk. This plan was not accepted because he does not own these parking lots, the borough does and to date there is no formal agreement for the borough to give him these parking lots in a land trade.

It is my opinion as a member of the long-term parking committee that these lots are invaluable to the businesses on State Street. In fact, I have recommended after hearing the concerns of several business owners that we need to replace the 15 minute parking spots with 30 minute parking and increase the number of these spots. This would help businesses like Newtown Hardware House, Mom’s Bake at Home Pizza, Becky’s Deli and many other businesses who are destination shops and require more than 15 minutes to do an errand. Traffic and parking management has to be a key to helping the businesses on State Street thrive.

It was also mentioned by Julia Woldorf at the recent candidate’s forum, which can be seen on the public access channel, that Newtown’s State Street needs a face lift. What Julia needs to be reminded of is that we started that face lift several years ago with Phase I of the State Street project which included the center block between Washington and Center Streets. Phase II and Phase III are already drawn up and the plans sit in borough hall waiting for funds to be secured, but instead Julia and Mike Sellers as members of The Newtown Creek Coalition have focused the resources of Newtown Borough to secure grants to study Newtown Creek. It should be pointed out that to date they have received a $12,000 matching grant and are looking to put into this year’s budget $20,000 more for another matching grant for Newtown Creek. More attention needs to be on putting people on the sidewalks in front of the buildings and not behind them.

In closing, I point out that Mike Sellers made the comment in regard to The Stocking Works II that we are better off working with the present developer as compared to someone we don’t know, but what he failed to mention is that this developer could get his approvals on the project and sell the land to someone else.

The real question for the residents of Newtown Borough isn’t what developer you want to work with, but who do you trust on borough council to do what is best for the residents and the businesses and to maintain the charm and character of Newtown Borough. That is why this Nov. 8 I ask that you consider electing Bob King, Larry Auerweck and myself, Paul Salvatore to Newtown Borough Council. We have a proven record of working with all groups and putting our community before personal and political agendas.

Paul Salvatore is a candidate for NewtownBorough Council.

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